A "Fifty Shades of Grey" release date has been announced, but eager fans in North America will have to wait until Aug. 1, 2014 to see the film.

There have been other developments recently concerning the film with Sam Taylor-Johnson being named director for the project, according to distributor Focus Features.

New "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie casting rumors have also been circulating this week, with fans of the bestseller desperate to find out who will be chosen to play the lead roles in the film adaptation.

Ian Somerhalder of "The Vampire Diaries" has been one of the fan favorites as well as Christian Grey, who leads numerous fan casting polls into who they want to see play the lead character in E.L. James' novel adaptation.

Matt Bomer has also been another leading name rumored to be connected to the part of Christian Grey. Bomer recently launched a new suit and tie clothing line, which has further raised his exposure to fans and garnered him more support to be chosen for the role.

However, Somerhalder remains one of the favorites for the core part. Ever since the movie adaptation was announced, his popularity has grown immensely, and the 34-year-old actor has even recently spoken publicly, saying he would be interested in playing Ana Steele's boyfriend on the big screen.

"There's nothing official," Comerhalder said to "Mr. Porter" when asked about the casting of Christian Grey. "But there's a website you can go to where you can make your basement like a dungeon. So, I thought I'd get prepared, just in case [I was cast]!"

Bomer, meanwhile, has also been increasingly linked to the role of Christian Grey in recent weeks. The "White Collar" actor, however, has not been as outspoken in public about the role, and for the moment he has remained quiet on whether he would be interested in taking the part if offered.